Axial Spondyloarthritis
Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the axial skeleton, including the spine and sacroiliac joints. As a leading company in drug and therapy development, our company is dedicated to advancing the field of autoimmune diseases and inflammation, with a particular focus on axSpA.
Overview of Axial Spondyloarthritis
Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) comprises a cluster of chronic inflammatory conditions primarily impacting the axial skeleton. This encompassing term includes two key subtypes: radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA), commonly referred to as ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). In r-axSpA, characteristic structural changes can be observed through X-ray imaging, while nr-axSpA does not yet exhibit visible structural changes. Chronic back pain, morning stiffness, and fatigue are hallmark symptoms of axSpA. The presence of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 gene represents the strongest genetic association with axSpA; however, the precise mechanisms by which HLA-B27 contributes to disease development remain subjects of ongoing investigation.
Fig.1 The spectrum of axial spondyloarthritis. (Robinson P. C., et al., 2021)
Therapy Discovery and Development for Axial Spondyloarthritis
Biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) have revolutionized the therapeutic of axSpA. TNF inhibitors, such as infliximab, target the inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha and have shown significant efficacy in reducing disease activity and improving symptoms. IL-17 inhibitors, such as secukinumab and ixekizumab, have also demonstrated efficacy in both r-axSpA and nr-axSpA cases. Other emerging therapies for axSpA include Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which target intracellular signaling pathways involved in inflammation, and small molecule inhibitors targeting specific immune cell populations.
At our esteemed organization, we are deeply specialized in delivering comprehensive services encompassing diagnostics and therapy development for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). To learn more about our unparalleled expertise in axSpA therapy development, we cordially invite you to explore the link provided below.
Our Services
As a leading CRO, we offer a wide range of therapy development services. Our team of experts is well-versed in preclinical research, utilizing both animal models and in vitro models to investigate the underlying mechanisms of axSpA and test the efficacy of potential therapeutic interventions. We employ cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Collagen Ab-induced Arthritis Models
Our company offers specialized services in the development of the collagen Ab-induced arthritis (CAIA) model, which serves as an essential tool for studying axSpA. In this model, mice are administered with collagen antibodies, which target specific collagen epitopes, triggering an immune response and subsequent arthritis development.
Combined CAIA and axSpA-induced Models
Similar to the collagen Ab-induced arthritis model, the Combined CAIA and axSpA-induced model involves the administration of anti-collagen monoclonal antibodies followed by LPS injection. However, in this approach, the focus is on inducing not only arthritis but also axial inflammation and structural damage, characteristic of axSpA.
To mimic the inflammatory microenvironment of axSpA, our cell-based models incorporate the use of various inflammatory stimuli. These stimuli can include pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-17 (IL-17), which are known to play a significant role in axSpA.
Our organoid models development service involves the generation of three-dimensional (3D) organoids derived from patient-derived cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These organoids can mimic the structure and function of specific tissues affected by axSpA, including the synovium, cartilage, and bone.
Result Deliver
Our team of experienced scientists utilizes cutting-edge technologies and platforms to screen and identify promising drug candidates. Beyond the aforementioned repertoire of services and models, our expertise extends to crafting personalized solutions and designing disease models that impeccably align with your unique needs. If our comprehensive range of offerings has piqued your interest, we wholeheartedly encourage you to connect with us without any hesitation.
References
- Robinson Philip C., et al. "Axial spondyloarthritis: concept, construct, classification and implications for therapy." Nature Reviews Rheumatology 17.2 (2021): 109-118.
- Inman Robert D. "Axial spondyloarthritis: current advances, future challenges." Journal of Rheumatic Diseases 28.2 (2021): 55.